Rapid Alert
Falsified Vigamox® Ophthalmic Solution – Batch VHF02A (Not from Authorized Source)
| DRAP Alert No | No I/S/09-25-66 |
| Action Date | 17th September, 2025 |
| Target Audience | 1. Regulatory Field Force of DRAP and Provincial Drug Control departments. 2. Healthcare Professionals 3. Pharmacies and medical stores |
| Problem Statement | Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Ltd., Karachi informed DRAP that falsified Vigamox® Sterile Ophthalmic Solution bearing Batch # VHF02A is identified in the Pakistani market. The reported batch number is not imported, manufactured, or supplied by Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Ltd., i.e. the genuine registration holder in Pakistan. The packaging falsely uses the Novartis name and branding, but it does not come from the authorized supply chain. |
| Risk Statement | In the case of Vigamox® (Batch No. VHF02A), such falsification may result in ineffective treatment of bacterial eye infections, potential worsening the infection, and risk of serious eye damage or vision loss. This alert applies only to Batch No. VHF02A and does not affect other batches of Vigamox® in the market supplied by the authorized registration holder. The falsified batch poses a particular risk to patients with eye infections, especially children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, who may experience rapid deterioration if untreated or improperly treated. |
| Action Initiated | The Regulatory Field Force has been directed to conduct surveillance activities to confiscate the abovementioned falsified product. All Pharmacists, chemists, and other healthcare professionals working at distributions, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and other aspects of the supply chain system should immediately check the stock, and information related to the suppliers of such products should be provided to the Regulatory field force (DRAP, Provincial Drug Control Departments) to ensure the removal of these product from the circulation. |
| Advice for Healthcare Professionals | DRAP requests healthcare professionals to have increased vigilance within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by above mentioned product. Any adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of these products should be reported to National or Provincial pharmacovigilance centers using Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link. Further information on reporting problems to DRAP is available on this link. |
| Advice for Consumers | Consumers should not use these products and should contact their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have experienced any problem related to taking or using the above mentioned products and should report the incident to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan / National Pharmacovigilance Centre. All therapeutic goods must be obtained from licensed pharmacies and other authorized/licensed retail outlets. The authenticity and condition of products should be carefully checked. Seek advice from your pharmacists or other healthcare professionals in case of any doubt. |